Pulmonary ossification
Updates to Article Attributes
Pulmonary ossification is a rare finding and is characterised by the presence of mature bone in alveolar or interstitial spaces, either localised or disseminated throughout the lung parenchyma.
It can be idiopathic (idiopathic pulmonary ossification) or secondary to chronic lung, cardiac or systemic disorders.
Pathology
It is thought to be a result of multiple interacting factors. Tissue injury is considered the most important provoking factor which, in an alkaline environment, initiates calcium salt precipitation, enables alkaline phosphatase activity and activates profibrogenic cytokines. Alveolar haemorrhage is responsible for an interstitial metallic deposition that attracts calcium salts and multinucleated giant cells.
Morphological subtypes
Associations
-
fibrosing lung diseases:
- usual interstitial pneumonia: disseminated form 2
- pulmonary amyloidosis: especially nodular form 7
- mitral valve stenosis: late sign associated with pulmonary hypertension - prevalence of 3-13% 10
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
May show branching calcific shadows, which are usually seen in lower parts of lungs.
CT
High attenuatingattenuation parenchymal bands.
See also
-</ul><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Plain radiograph</h5><p>May show branching calcific shadows, which are usually seen in lower parts of lungs.</p><h5>CT</h5><p>High attenuating parenchymal bands. </p><h4>See also</h4><ul>- +</ul><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>Plain radiograph</h5><p>May show branching calcific shadows, which are usually seen in lower parts of lungs.</p><h5>CT</h5><p>High attenuation parenchymal bands. </p><h4>See also</h4><ul>
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